A NEW warning has gone out about firms trying to trick companies with false claims about services to register them under the 1998 Data Protection Act.

A NEW warning has gone out about firms trying to trick companies with false claims about services to register them under the 1998 Data Protection Act.

Holders of most personal data must pay an annual fee of £35 to the Information Commissioner and give a description of the personal data they process.

But several organisations have written to businesses nationwide with official-looking names and often claiming the letter is a Final Notice saying they must pay a fee of £95 plus VAT to register.

It is feared organisations still not familiar with data protection law may be tricked.

Several Huddersfield businesses have complained to the Examiner that they have received this sort of letter and wondered if they should pay.

The Information Commissioner, a Government Office, has said they should not - and if they receive these letters they should complain to West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service or even the police.

The Information Commissioner's office is in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

Data holders can register with Information Commissioner directly for £35.

A spokeswoman for the office said: "The only genuine Information Commissioner's office is this one in Wilmslow.

"It has come to our attention that individuals posing as `collectors on behalf of data protection' are writing to businesses or even visiting them requesting payment for Data Protection Registration.

"These `collectors' may even produce identification cards and receipt books."

She added: "There is no connection between the Information Commissioner and such individuals. The Commissioner advises those approached in this way not to make any payment and to notify the local police."

The Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, has now published a long list of companies trying to get money in this way.

The companies claim they will send the information on to the Information Commissioner.

The spokeswoman said: "The Commissioner is keen to make clear there is no connection between this office and these businesses.

"He has been disturbed that a number of people have been confused and troubled by the wording and tone of some of the correspondence issued by these businesses.

"His office is co-operating with other relevant authorities who are exploring what action might be taken."